Viasat and Cubic³ are set to demonstrate a new satellite-based voice call capability for connected vehicles, aiming to provide reliable voice communication even when cellular networks are unavailable. The demonstration will highlight how vehicles can maintain voice connectivity in areas with limited or no terrestrial network coverage, which is essential for driver safety and emergency situations.
The demonstration brings together Viasat’s satellite network, Cubic³’s global connectivity management platform and hybrid eSIM, Qualcomm Technologies’ SnapdragonAuto 5G Modem-RF Gen 2 platform, and the NESC voice codec from Fraunhofer IIS. Amarisoft is also providing technical support for the project.
By integrating these technologies, automakers could offer drivers continuous access to emergency assistance and critical safety applications regardless of their location. The initiative supports the development of future non-terrestrial network (NTN)-enabled vehicles as consumer demand for data services grows.
This effort builds on a partnership announced by Viasat and Cubic³ in June 2025 that combined satellite and terrestrial connectivity for global vehicle communications. Cubic³ plans to collaborate further with Viasat to introduce future 5G-NR satellite services—including video streaming and seamless voice calls—to the automotive market.
These advancements would utilize Equatys, a new entity being established by Viasat and Space42. Equatys aims to deliver seamless 5G connectivity across both satellite and terrestrial networks worldwide.
Cubic³ provides advanced global connectivity solutions for automotive, agricultural, and transport original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company connects over 27 million vehicles in more than 200 countries and territories, supporting rapid deployment of connected services for major automotive groups.
“As vehicles become increasingly software-defined, connectivity must be intelligent and truly global,” said André Schlufter, Director of Connectivity Innovation at Cubic³. “This demonstration shows how satellite connectivity can extend the reliability automakers already expect from cellular networks.”
“As pioneers in wireless innovation, we’re making advanced connectivity an integral part of the vehicle platform itself,” said Jeff Arnold, VP & GM, Auto Telematics & Consumer/Connectivity, IE-IOT, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Working with Viasat and Cubic³, this demonstration shows how standards‑based cellular and satellite technologies can be seamlessly integrated to support reliable voice communications – an important step toward resilient, always‑available safety services for software‑defined vehicles.”
Viasat, Cubic³, and Qualcomm Technologies are members of the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), collaborating with industry partners to advance global automotive connectivity standards.
Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies or its subsidiaries.
For investor relations inquiries: Lisa Curran/Peter Lopez at +1 (760) 476-2633 or IR@viasat.com
